To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on light dues. [155949]

I am pleased to announce that the light dues rates will remain the same for 2001–02.Following four years of stability, the current rates were set in 1997 when charges were reduced by an average of 4.6 per cent. The General Lighthouse Authorities deserve

£ million
Programme	1996–971	2000–012
Education Standards Fund	46	78
New Deal for Schools capital3	—	450
Health programmes	24	21
New Deal for Communities3	—	120
Air Quality and Smoke Control Supplementary Credit Approvals	3	3
Estates renewal	30	81
Estate Action	252	68
Land reclamation	51	6
Crime Fighting Fund and schools intervention3	—	48
PFI credits for joined up schemes3	—	30
Invest to Save Budget3	—	39
Capital Modernisation Fund3	—	340
European Structural Funds4	116	212
Single Regeneration Budget (Challenge Fund)/SRB5	265	814
City Challenge6	224	—
DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund3	—	2
Combined Conservation Area Partnership Schemes and Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme	12	5
Innovative transport project3	—	1
Rural Bus Challenge3	—	20
Total	1,023	2,338
1 Actual outturn
2 Provisional
3 Programmes did not exist in 1996–97
4 Outturn for both years
5 In the SRB, local regeneration partnerships, which normally include local authority partners, were able to bid for resources under individual bidding rounds (1–6)
6 Programme ended in 1998.

In addition £18.5 million has been allocated to fund the development of new and the ex tension of existing neighbourhood warden schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to receive the (a) next and (b) final reports from the (i) Environment Agency and (ii) Health and Safety Executive, following the explosion at Sandhurst, Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [153747]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Government policy on competitive bidding for funds by local councils on specific projects; and how much level of public expenditure was allocated to such arrangements in (a) 1996–97 and (b) 2000–01. [153801]

The vast majority of Government support to local authorities is provided as general support. Competitive bidding for funds can play a part in bringing forward local proposals for specific projects. Figures for that part of Government support allocated by competitive bidding, as opposed to provision through a standard allocation process, on specific projects for which local authorities are able to bid, are given in the table.

[holding answer 15 March 2001]: Three reports from the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been received and placed in the Library of the House:

1. Interim report of the joint investigation by the Agency and HSE under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations. The possible contravention of waste management controls is also being covered by this investigation;

2. Final report of the quality assurance review of the Agency's regulatory actions; and

3. Final report of the review carried out by HSE as part of its major incident handling.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the specifications for use are of (a) corrugated steel crash barriers and (b) concrete crash barriers on (i) motorways and (ii) trunk roads; and what criteria were used in determining the specifications. [154472]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has given local planning authorities on applications to erect mobile phone masts in residential areas. [154833]

Government planning policy for telecommunications is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 8 (revised): Telecommunications and the Department's Circular 4–99 "Planning for Telecommunications".I wrote to Council leaders in June 2000 to explain the action the Government had in hand to take forward the planning recommendations of the Stewart report ("Mobile Phones and Health") published in May 2000. This letter said that the Stewart report had concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the sites identified by Scott Wilson in the work on the South East Regional Airports Study as being suitable for development as airports. [155424]

The work undertaken by Scott Wilson identified a significant number of sites which might be suitable for development either as a very large new airport or to serve particular sectors, such as air cargo. From that list Ministers selected a small number of options for further study and appraisal, alongside options for the development of existing major airports. We will proceed through successive sifts to narrow down these options to a final shortlist, on which there will be a full public consultation before Ministers come to conclusions.In advance of the consultation, it would be premature to comment on the status of any specific option. Releasing information at this stage, in advance of final options, could result in unnecessary and lengthy blight, as well as multiplying uncertainty and anxiety. This approach is consistent with my Department's Code of Practice on the Dissemination of Information during Major Infrastructure Developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what conclusions he has reached from his Department's review of existing law relating to compulsory purchase. [155421]

The Urban White Paper ("Our Towns and Cities: the Future". Cmnd 4911), published last November, set out our approach in response to the recommendations of the Advisory Group, which conducted a review of the laws and procedures relating to compulsory purchase and compensation, published in July last year. New guidance on the operation of the system will be available in the next few months, and the Law Commission will shortly publish a preliminary scoping study, which they have undertaken at the Department's request, of ways of simplifying, consolidating and codifying the law. Consideration is being given to proposals for changes to the law made by the Advisory Committee and in responses to their report. In doing this we are taking account of the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 and it may be necessary to await the outcome of legal challenges to the system currently before the courts before further proposals for changes to the law can be put forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will conclude his consideration of the further business rate relief he will provide to those indirectly affected by foot and mouth disease; and if this relief will be extended to the self-catering holiday accommodation sector. [155250]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: As I indicated in my statement to the House on 20 March, the Government will underwrite 95 per cent. of local authority costs in offering discretionary hardship rate relief to businesses badly affected by foot and mouth disease.Any type of businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less in rural local authority districts, which adopt the scheme, will be eligible for a reduction of up to £1,290 for a three month period, provided they can show that they have suffered serious economic loss through the impact of foot and mouth disease. For some businesses this could amount to all of their rate bill for the period in question. The scheme will allow impacts beyond three months to be kept under review.Businesses with properties above £12,000 rateable value level affected by Foot and Mouth disease will be eligible to benefit from existing loca1 authority hardship relief provisions in which Government meet 75 per cent. of the cost.The scheme will be available in the rural local authorities as set out in the list.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which parts of South Gloucestershire Unitary Authority come within the scope of the proposed measures to assist rural areas with the consequences of foot and mouth disease set out in his oral statement of 20 March. [155304]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: Wherever they are located, rural businesses experiencing financial hardship as a consequence of foot and mouth disease will benefit from the Government's commitment to give them sympathetic treatment on tax and other payments as set out in my statement of 20 March 2001, Official Report, column 191. The increase from 75 per cent. to 95 per cent. in the contribution to the cost of rate relief is being made available to the most rural authorities. South Gloucestershire is not one of these.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what has been the cost to date of introducing and operating the Quality Mark scheme in the pilot areas; [154854](2) how many builders and allied traders have

In total the Department has paid out just over £700,000 to support the development of the Quality Mark scheme and its implementation in the two pilot areas of Birmingham and Somerset. Likely costs for running a national scheme will be identified as part of the review of the pilot.Some 280 builders and allied traders are now pursuing the Quality Mark, and nine have already achieved it.The Government will carry out a review of the pilot scheme towards the end of the year, following which a decision will be made about extending the scheme to the rest of the country.I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 28 February 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment has been made of the quantity and effect of emissions into the air of dioxins resulting from the burning of coal slag, railway sleepers and the other materials being used for the incineration of animals culled for the purpose of eradicating foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [155435]

My Department has asked the National Environmental Technology Centre of AEA Technology to calculate amounts of air pollutants, including dioxins, particles (as PM₁₀) and nitrogen oxides, released from the burning of carcases and fuels on the pyres. At present, it is estimated that the amount of dioxins released from the burning on pyres to date is about 10–20g. This is equivalent to about 3–6 per cent. of the total annual emissions of dioxins in the UK. This is roughly equivalent to the amount released annually from domestic burning of coal and wood and is less than one third the amount released annually from accidental fires and other open burning sources. I will write to the hon. Member with more accurate figures as they become available.Infected animals must be killed quickly to prevent the further spreading of the disease and their carcases have to be destroyed. Burning on farms, although not without its pollutant emissions, is the quickest and most appropriate method to dispose of the large number of carcases, at present. We are investigating other methods of disposal, such as rendering, landfill and burial on farms, where appropriate. We will also continue to assess the levels of emissions from the pyres, including dioxin levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the law relating to housing tenure. [155960]

Following clearance by the Lord Chancellor, the Law Commission has today been asked to undertake a major review of the law surrounding housing tenure in both the social and private rented housing sectors. The referral is in response to a Law Commission paper ("Reform of Housing Law: A Scoping Study Paper") which the Commission has also published today. Terms of reference reflecting the ground covered by the Scoping Paper are:

"To consider the law relating to the existing forms of housing tenancies in the rented sector and their creation, terms and termination, with a view to its simplification and reform; and in particular to review the law on:

(1) the forms of housing tenancy let by:

(a) local authorities and other social landlords;

(b) private landlords,

with a view to providing a simple and flexible statutory regime for both the social and the private housing sectors;

(2) the remedies available in respect of harassment and unlawful eviction;

(3) tenants' statutory rights of succession; and

(4) such other aspects of housing law as may be agreed between the Law Commission, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the Lord Chancellor's Department."

Today's referral asks the Law Commission to undertake work on the ground covered by item (1) of the terms of reference and which the Commission's Scoping Paper refers to as the "first phase" of work. This in itself represents a substantial piece of work on which the Commission has undertaken to deliver a report and draft Housing Bill by July 2003. A further referral covering items (2) and (3) of the terms of reference (referred to in the Scoping Paper as the "second phase" of work) will be considered in the light of progress on first phase work.The Law Commission's scoping paper represents an excellent piece of work. It highlights a long overdue need for a simpler, less complex framework for housing tenure law—one that will be more transparent and better understood by landlords and tenants alike; one that will enable social landlords to make better use of their stock; and one that will facilitate greater choice and diversity in the housing sector along with tenant participation.We also intend to look to the review as the sensible vehicle within which to take forward our intention, announced in the Housing Policy Statement ("Quality and Choice: A decent home for all—The Way forward for Housing") to look at a single form of tenure for the social housing sector and other tenure flexibilities. The Law Commission's continued readiness to work with DETR and other key housing interests, and to involve a wider range of landlord and tenant interests in taking forward this substantial piece of work will ensure an inclusive approach.I am arranging for a copy of the Law Commission's Scoping Paper to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if she will introduce an audited scheme to recycle House waste paper. [155945]

I understand that the Serjeant at Arms is in the process of introducing a paper recycling scheme. The first phase will be implemented in Portcullis House by the end of May this year.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Ceredigion constituency, the effects on Ceredigion of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154971]

In 1999, in line with national policy, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), in liaison with the Dyfed Powys police and the magistrates court, introduced procedures based upon the Narey proposals. All defendants charged with a criminal offence where a guilty plea is anticipated now make their first appearance before the Cardigan or Aberystwyth magistrates within three working days of charge, or eight days if charged after the cut-off point for that court for that week.In the last eight months, over half of defendants have had their cases finalised at the first court hearing. Since October 2000, the prosecution of Persistent Youth Offenders has been subject to a fast-track procedure. Fourteen defendants in Ceredigion have been dealt with to date under this procedure. These cases have been finalised in an average of 56 days over the five months to February 2001.In January 2001, the provisions of section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force. Seven defendants within Ceredigion charged with indictable-only offences have been sent directly to the Crown court in Swansea. All these changes illustrate the Government's successful policy of speeding up the criminal justice system.In May 2001, CPS Dyfed Powys will be altering its structure in line with the proposals of the Glidewell review. This will enable the CPS to place greater emphasis on the more serious crime cases in the Crown courts in Swansea, Carmarthen, and Haverfordwest.

To ask the Solicitor-General (1) if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Caernarfon constituency, the effects on Caernarfon of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997; [154972](2) if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Meirionnydd Nant Conwy constituency, the effects on Meirionnydd Nant Conwy of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997; [154973](3) if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Ynys MÔn constituency, the effects on Ynys MÔn of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154970]

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), in liaison with the police and the magistrates courts, introduced procedures based upon the Narey proposals for he Central and Western Divisions of the North Wales Police Area, which includes these constituencies. All defendants now charged with a criminal offence make their first appearance before a magistrates court within one week and, in some cases, within 96 hours of being charged. Current figures indicate that around 40 per cent. of defendants now have their cases finalised at that first hearing. On 1 July 2000, the CPS North Wales Area office, which has responsibility for prosecutions in these three constituencies, altered its structures in line with the proposals contained in the Glidewell report. This enabled the CPS to place greater emphasis on more serious crime. More recently, as a further development of a proposal in the Glidewell report, the CPS have established a co-located Criminal Justice Unit within the Divisional Police Headquarters at Caernarfon. Closer links between the CPS and police in this area will further enhance the progress of cases into and through the magistrates courts.CPS North Wales is also piloting Statutory Time Limits in youth cases and has worked together with the other agencies locally to speed up youth justice, particularly cases involving persistent young offenders. This has resulted in cases being disposed of within 71 days in two quarters of the last year. Since May 1997, the Crown Prosecution Service has reduced the time taken to finalise prosecutions arising in the Caernarfon, Meirionnydd Nant Conwy and Ynys MÔn areas, especially cases involving youth offenders. All these changes illustrate the Government's successful policy in speeding up the criminal justice system.CPS North Wales are also piloting the Victim Notification arrangements. They have established a Victim Information Bureau at their headquarters at Wrexham, which provides detailed explanations to victims when cases are dropped or charges substantially amended. Meetings are also offered to victims in certain cases.Action and policies of the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Serious Fraud Office do not directly affect the Caernarfon, Meirionnydd Nant Conwy and Ynys MÔn constituencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints were received by the Director General of Fair Trading of unfair practice by insurance company-owned motor industry vehicle body repair shops in 2000. [155141]

The Director General of Fair Trading received six complaints of unfair practice by insurance company-owned motor industry vehicle body repair shops in 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy towards competition in the UK motor vehicle body repair industry; and if he will make a statement. [155139]

Under UK competition law, it is the responsibility of the Director General of Fair Trading to monitor competition in the UK motor vehicle body repair industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to publish the standard licence conditions for gas and electricity licences. [155950]

The final draft of the standard licence conditions for gas and electricity have been published today. Following the two consultations which were undertaken last year, I am inviting final comments— particularly on drafting—from all interested parties by the end of April.It is currently planned that the standard licence conditions should be formally determined in May, and should come into effect shortly afterwards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what total new investment was in business in London in (a) 1996 and (b) the most recent year for which figures are available. [154778]

Regional statistics on business investment are currently available for manufacturing only. The Office for National Statistics' 'Annual Business Inquiry' shows that in 1996 business investment in London was £1.16 billion. In 1997 (the most recent year for which information is available) investment in London was £1.3 billion.ONS plan to extend coverage to include the service sector later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have closed in each quarter since 1990 in Essex; and how many have been newly established. [151459]

[holding answer 26 February 2001]: I understand from the Post Office that the information requested is not available, as data on post office closures are not maintained on a county basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what form his Department maintains records of prices of commodities and services (a) in different regions of the United Kingdom, (b) in urban and rural areas, (c) comparatively with other EU member states and (d) in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will list those categories of goods and services for which price information is monitored. [154560]

The Department collects information on energy prices as set out; however it does not routinely collect information on the prices of other commodities or services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the regulations governing the charging by telecommunications companies for telephone calls to charity events, with particular reference to Comic Relief. [155258]

I understand that BT has made substantial donations to charity to reflect the increase in its traffic revenues generated by calls to Comic Relief. While this is a matter for the company, I welcome BT's generosity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much ECGD cover was given for exports by British companies to Sudan in the past two years. [154906]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many export credits have been granted by the UK Government for British companies exporting to Sudan in each of the last three years; and if he will list the (a) value of each export credit and (b) companies to which they were granted. [155145]

No export credit facilities have been provided by ECGD for exports to the Sudan during the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice the UK Ambassador in Khartoum gives to UK (a) companies considering investment in Sudan and (b) oil companies investing in Sudan. [155136]

The British Embassy in Khartoum provides a full range of Trade Partner UK services including frank and comprehensive advice about doing business, including the political climate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with UK companies (a) operating and (b) considering operating in Sudan. [155149]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not recently met with any UK companies to discuss Sudan or related issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the remaining provisions of the Postal Services Act 2000 will come into force; and if he will make a statement. [155962]

I have now made a further Commencement Order to bring into force by today the remaining major provisions of the Postal Services Act 2000. The order includes a number of provisions smoothing the transition to the new statutory framework, and applying the schemes under which the Post Office has traditionally carried out its postal and postal order business to the future Post Office company and its subsidiaries. The only provisions of the new Act still to be commenced are a few repeals of the Post Office Act 1969 which are being retained until the Post Office is dissolved in accordance the new Act.The new Act will thus became fully operational today and the business of the Post Office has been transferred to the company nominated as the Post Office company, ie Consignia Holdings plc. The operational functions of the Post Office company will be carried out by its wholly owned subsidiary, Consignia plc.In accordance with Part II of the Act, the Postal Services Commission has granted a licence to Consignia plc permitting it to provide the postal services which are restricted under section 6 of the Act, and requiring it to provide a universal postal service throughout the whole of the United Kingdom at a uniform tariff. Consignia plc (registered number 4138203 of 148 Old Street, London EC1V 9HQ) is thus a universal service provider for the purposes of the Postal Services Act 2000.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has confirmed the appointment of the current members of the Post Office as the initial directors of the Post Office company and the directors of Consignia plc.The implementation of the Act and the issuing of the licence heralds the completion of the reform programme described in July 1999 in the Post Office Reform White Paper and sets in place a Post Office company with the greater commercial freedom that it needs to meet the challenges of the changing postal markets, and provides the framework in which postal users can look forward to the evolution of the modern and effective postal services that are essential for the business and social life of the nation in the 21st century.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the climate change levy rebates have been cleared by the EU Commission under the state aids provisions; and if he will make a statement. [149887]

I have been asked to reply.The Government are seeking approval under EU state aids rules for 80 per cent. discounts from the climate change levy for energy-intensive industries and businesses that negotiate agreements to improve energy-efficiency. An amended version of the EU state aids guidelines for environmental measures was published recently, and the Government are confident that these discounts and negotiated agreements will be approved as falling within the scope of these guidelines.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she plans to publish the 2001 Departmental report for her Department. [155632]

The Departmental report 2001 for my Department is published today. It looks back at a year in which considerable progress was made in strengthening international efforts to reduce poverty: 22 countries have now qualified for HIPC debt relief; increasing numbers of poor countries are producing comprehensive poverty reduction strategies; and the European Union has agreed to duty-free access for all imports except arms from least developed countries. As this report shows, the Department for International Development is a driving force behind these and many other efforts to reduce global poverty.This year's report provides a more detailed assessment of progress against the International Development targets broken down by region. The report also shows progress in meeting the objectives set in our 1998 Public Service Agreement which are based on the performance of our top 30 partners in achieving the International Development targets. The 2000 Spending Round agreed substantial additional resources to enhance our existing efforts. Our plans for allocation of these resources are set out in the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the aid Britain gives to Sudan reaches areas in the south and in the Nuba Mountains. [154905]

We meet urgent humanitarian demands in Sudan wherever they arise. The mechanisms in place are the standard reporting and accountability procedures that are part of our funding agreements with international non-government organisations and United Nations agencies. Our officer at the British Embassy in Khartoum regularly monitors and reports on progress and the impact of assistance provided. DFID staff also regularly visit to monitor our support and assess humanitarian needs. In addition, the Embassy regularly presses the Government of Sudan for access to all areas of need by the organisations and UN agencies we support.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department has had with the (a) Department of Trade and Industry and (b) Foreign and Commonwealth Office concerning the role of UK companies' investment in Sudan. [155137]

We have regular contacts with other Government Departments about the impact of investment on development in Sudan.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the Government gives to Sudan. [154904]

Our support to Sudan is designed to meet urgent humanitarian needs. A small proportion is also spent on support for civil society and on international and grass roots efforts to build peace.In the last five years the UK has provided the following amounts of aid to Sudan:

	£000
1995–96	5,996
1996–97	4,534
1997–98	5,677
1998–99	24,201
1999–2000	3,231

To ask the Prime Minister what authority is necessary for Ministers to take (a) a spouse and (b) a partner on an overseas visit paid out of public funds; and how many such visits have taken place, and by which Ministers, since May 1997. [143162]

Ministers require my approval if they plan to take a spouse or partner on an overseas visit at public expense. However, no central record is kept of whether such visits actually take place after allowing for cancellation or postponement for parliamentary business or other reasons. Where a spouse or partner has accompanied a Minister on an overseas visit the cost is included in the figures published annually on Ministers? visits overseas. Figures for 1999–2000 were published on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W. This showed that the cost of travel in 1999–2000 was £4.6 million compared with £7.9 million in the last year of the previous Administration.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the visits overseas undertaken by Government Ministers costing in excess of £500 between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 2000 indicating (a) the cost, destination and purpose of the visit and (b) if the Minister was accompanied by a partner or spouse, indicating the name of their partner and the contribution to the cost of the trip made by the Minister towards the partner's expenses. [148563]

[holding answer 2 February 2001]: Lists of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more for the periods 2 May 1997 to 31 March 1999 and 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 have already been placed in the Libraries of the House. The annual list for travel during the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 will be published in due course. In relation to the information requested about spouses or partners accompanying Ministers overseas I refer the hon. Member to my answer earlier today to the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey (Mrs. Bottomley), Official Report, columns 438–39W.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the IT projects being undertaken at No. 10; and if he will state (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of each project; [151843](2) if he will list the IT projects No. 10 is planning to undertake during the next year; and if he will state in each case

I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given to him by the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 16 March 2001, Official Report, columns 770–71W.

To ask the Prime Minister if all documents in his office relating to an official inquiry by the then Prime Minister in 1970 into allegations that the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, had experimented on old people for germ warfare purposes, have been placed in the Public Record Office; and if he will make a statement. [154767]

There are no documents in my office relating to such an inquiry.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2001, Official Report, column 753W, on the Foot and Mouth Taskforce, for what reason he did not include in the taskforce representatives from the (a) National Assembly for Wales, (b) Farmers Union of Wales, (c) Welsh Development Agency and (d) Welsh Tourist Board. [155131]

The taskforce is considering the economic impacts of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease across the United Kingdom and includes representatives of the devolved administrations, including the National Assembly for Wales. Mike German, the Assembly's Minister for Economic Development, attended the taskforce's second meeting. Although the taskforce is a UK-wide body, most of the issues it discusses are devolved, and in practice it concentrates mainly on proposals to be implemented in England. It is then for each devolved administration to decide whether to follow similar policies. In order to avoid the group becoming too unwieldy, we have inevitably had to restrict membership. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and other UK Ministers concerned would, however, welcome constructive suggestions from organisations in all countries.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the undertakings he gave to the leaders of Sinn Fein in May 2000, indicating which have been (a) fulfilled and (b) remain outstanding. [154321]

[holding answer 19 March 2001]: In the course of the multi-party talks at Hillsborough, the Government committed themselves to honouring the Good Friday Agreement, if all other parties did, in relation to all aspects of it. Those undertakings were reflected in the proposals made jointly with the Irish Government on 5 May 2000.I am satisfied that we are honouring these commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that the EU delegation to the UN Commission on Human Rights will raise the current human rights situation in China with special reference to religious freedom and torture. [154907]

We are pressing the EU Presidency and our EU partners to ensure that relevant EU statements at the UN Commission on Human Rights reflect our concerns about the human rights situation in China, including the use of torture and respect for religious freedoms.I spelt out the UK's concerns on human rights in China in my address at the UN Commission on Human Rights on 22 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reasons were given for refusal of visas by entry clearance officers at the appeal stage in the case of visa refusals overturned by the Minister for Europe. [155298]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: When an entry clearance officer refuses a visa applicant he or she always gives the applicant written reasons for doing so. The reasons for refusal will vary from case to case. Where there is a right of appeal against the refusal, the Minister with responsibility for entry clearance does not become involved in the appeal process, which is handled by the Independent Appellate Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reasons were given for the initial refusal of visas by entry clearance officers in the case of visa refusals overturned by the Minister for Europe. [155299]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: In such cases, entry clearance officers initially refused to grant a visa because they were not satisfied that the applications met the requirements of the Immigration Rules. Where hon. Members subsequently made representations which have satisfied me that, in fact, the requirements of the Immigration Rules have been fully met, I have overturned the original decision of the entry clearance officer.

Family visit visas applications 2001
	Applications received		Applications determined		Applications issued		Applications refused
	January	February	January	February	January	February	January	February
Abidjan	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Abu Dhabi	24	1—	23	1—	17	1—	6	1—
Abuja	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Accra	753	1—	685	1—	277	1—	408
Addis Ababa	31	12	39	11	14	6	25	5
Almaty	36	13	37	13	37	13	0	0
Amman	426	85	0	85	0	84	0	1
Amsterdam	38	34	38	34	32	30	6	4
Ankara	29	38	29	38	28	38	1	0
Bahrain	16	10	16	10	16	10	0	0
Baku	19	9	19	9	18	9	1	0
Bandar Seri Begawan	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Bangkok	80	173	73	154	45	131	28	23
Banjul	38	34	40	31	32	20	8	11
Beirut	92	62	89	62	87	61	2	1
Belgrade	258	391	4	352	0	347	4	5
Bogota	33	33	33	33	25	29	8	4
Bombay	619	1,070	619	1,070	454	874	165	196
Bratislava	50	1—	50	1—	47	1—	3	1—
Brussels	14	10	4	7	3	5	1	2
Bucharest	58	85	59	90	48	82	11	8
Budapest	6	7	6	7	5	7	1	0
Cairo	137	145	129	142	113	124	16	18
Calcutta	94	118	97	120	95	116	2	4
Canberra	7	1—	7	1—	4	1—	3	1—
Casablanca	117	119	110	116	105	114	5	2
Chicago	141	176	119	162	119	162	0	0
Colombo	70	74	70	74	32	48	38	26
Copenhagen	44	36	44	36	44	36	0	0
Damascus	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dar Es Salaam	107	104	107	104	93	83	14	21
Dhaka	451	490	348	415	203	227	145	188
Doha	49	31	49	31	46	31	3	0
Dubai	71	79	75	81	47	47	28	34
Dublin	36	1—	36	1—	34	1—	2	1—
Dusseldorf	106	272	100	246	94	241	6	5
Ekaterinburg	11	16	11	16	11	16	0	0
Geneva	25	74	21	67	20	66	1	1
Georgetown	33	1—	33	1—	28	1—	5	1—
Guangzhou	121	1—	90	1—	84	1—	6	1—
Hanoi	4	3	4	3	2	1	2	2
Harare	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
Havana	3	0	3	0	3	0	0	0

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of visa refusals overturned by the Minister for Europe, how many he intervened on (a) following representations from an hon. Member and (b) following external requests. [155300]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: I have overturned a total of 49 decisions following representations from right hon. and hon. Members since October 1999. I do not take representations from other sources and have therefore overturned no decisions following external requests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many family visit visa applications were (a) received, (b) determined, (c) allowed and (d) refused since 1 January, broken down by entry clearance post. [155570]

The table sets out the information received from entry clearance posts issuing more than 1,200 visas per year. I regret that the information for the remaining posts issuing less than 1,200 visas per year is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many family visit visa refusals in relation to which (a) an appeal has been received, (b) the refusal has been overturned by an entry clearance manager after receipt of an appeal, (c) an appeal has been despatched, (d) entry clearance has been issued prior to the outcome of an appeal, (e) an appeal has been allowed and notified to the post and (f) an appeal has been dismissed and notified to the post, there were in each month in 2001, broken down by entry clearance post. [155571]

The table on family visit refusals appeals received, refusals overturned after receipt of an appeal and appeals despatched covers information so far received from overseas Posts issuing more than 1,200 visas per year. I regret that the information requested for the remaining posts issuing less than 1,200 visas per year is not available centrally.

Family Visit Visa Refusals 2001
	Appeals received		Refusals overturned by ECM		Appeal despatched
	January	February	January	February	January	February
Abidjan	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Abu Dhabi	1	1—	0	1—	1	1—
Abuja	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Accra	3	1—	0	1—	6	1—
Addis Ababa	0	1	0	0	0	0
Almaty	0	0	0	0	0	0
Amman	0	0	0	0	0	0
Amsterdam	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ankara	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bahrain	0	0	0	0	0	0
Baku	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bandar Seri Begawan	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Bangkok	0	6	1	0	0	5
Banjul	0	0	0	0	0	0
Beirut	1	0	0	0	1	0
Belgrade	0	1	0	0	0	1
Bogota	2	0	0	0	1	0
Bombay	9	13	0	0	8	14
Bratislava	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Brussels	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bucharest	0	2	0	0	0	2
Budapest	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cairo	0	1	0	0	0	0
Calcutta	0	0	0	0	0	0
Canberra	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Casablanca	0	0	0	0	0	1
Chicago	0	0	0	0	0	0
Colombo	5	1	1	0	4	1
Copenhagen	0	0	0	0	0	0
Damascus	3	2	0	0	1	6
Dar Es Salaam	0	2	0	0	0	2
Dhaka	12	14	2	2	7	12
Doha	1	0	0	0	1	0
Dubai	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dublin	1	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Dusseldorf	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ekaterinburg	0	0	0	0	0	0
Geneva	0	0	0	0	0	0
Georgetown	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Guangzhou	3	1—	0	1—	2	1—
Hanoi	0	0	0	0	0	0
Harare	0	0	0	0	0	0
Havana	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hong Kong	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Islamabad	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—	1—
Istanbul	2	7	0	0	2	5
Jakarta	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jedda	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jerusalem	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Kampala	1	3	0	1	1	1
Karachi	4	1—	0	1—	9	1—
Kathmandu	0	1	0	0	0	1
Khartoum	0	1	0	1	0	0
Kiev	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Kingston	0	1—	0	1—	0	1—
Kuala Lumpur	0	0	0	0	0